I have just had the onion rings of my life. OF MY LIFE. Actually, they came with Keith’s order (a side of beef, ground and shaped into something resembling a Goliath-burger). I wouldn’t have dared order onion rings for myself but what you eat off somebody else’s plate is cancelled out calorically by the exertion you use to reach across the table. No brainer.
Actually I didn’t want to stop and eat. I was anxious to get on home to AJ and the babies and just wanted to get something to-go and eat it in the truck. Keith said, “Lizabeth, there’s some kind of award-winning little cafe in Junction that I been dying to try ever since we got some land this direction. Whataya say we get a bite there?” I pouted half a second then felt my stomach growl. “Are you sure you’re not talking about a barbeque joint? Junction can do some barbeque. For the life of me, Honey, I’m trying to picture an award-winning cafe there.” He swore (not the bad-language kind) and declared. Even knew what side of the road it was on.
Lo and behold. We pulled up in a diagonal parking space outside a restaurant called “Isaacks” (hear that really loud. It was a Texas-size sign. One of our Siestas, Holly, just reminded me of the best part of the signage: underneath the name in bold letters is “Air-conditioned.” A make-or-breaker in Texas.) Clearly the restaurant has been there since Abraham courted Sarai and probably wooed her right there at the soda bar. That was before the Law when Abraham didn’t have to worry about kosher. Because I don’t think it’s kosher. I don’t know for sure. You can bet your last dollar it still has its original charm though. I didn’t see a single sign of a remodel in at least 50 years. Why fix somethin’ that ain’t broke? That’s what my Papaw used to ask.
Sho –nuff. (Also my Papaw) Right there at the check-out counter hanging just above the jumbo jar of super bubble was the plaque: “Texas Monthly: The 40 Best Small-town Cafes 2008.” I was beside myself. I do love me some culture about better than anybody you know. I knew we were in for a treat.
“Help yourself,” chirped Miss Helen, waving us to any spot we liked. She’s been waiting tables there since 1967. Yes, of course, I asked. Are you kidding me? You know how much I love all manner of women. And I’ve just got to say, the woman could still wear a mean pair of blue jeans. I told her so. Even tucked in her shirt. She was sassy. It was one of those kinds of restaurants with a lot of taxidermy on the wall. I wouldn’t have been a big surprised if Miss Helen shot ‘em and stuffed ‘em herself.
She handed us a couple of large, tri-fold menus with the heavy clear plastic covers so the proprietor can change out the menu when he has a special. Only I don’t think they’ve done much changing-out in a while. But let me be clear: some things don’t need changing.
Like Isaacks.
I got the Mexican dinner. Miss Helen said they made their chili gravy from scratch. That did it. I slapped the thing shut and handed it back like a woman who knew what she wanted. Keith first had a mind to get chicken fried chicken since Miss Helen told us it was one of the local favorites. I couldn’t have been happier. Knew I’d get to share. Then at the very last split-second, he threw a curve ball. “The hamburger and the onion rings.” Miss Helen jotted it down, nodded, and scurried into the kitchen for a refill of tea.
I was baffled. “You got a hamburger?”
“Yep.”
“Instead of their famous chicken fried chicken?”
“Yep.”
“Are you out of your mind? Or watching your figure?”
“They batter their own onion rings here. Homemade it says.”
And I am telling you as I live and breathe that, fifteen minutes later when Miss Helen emerged from the kitchen, it was like a beam of light from Heaven shone all around that 9-inch-high plate of golden battered, deep-fried onion rings. It was a sight to behold. I nearly put my hand over my heart. I think my eyes watered. Never, I said N-E-V-E-R, IN ALL MY LIFE have I ever tasted an onion ring that good.
The onion rings of my life.
I’ll be dadgum.
Surely you don’t think that could wait till I get home.
Come on and tell me the best kept little café-secret in your neck of the woods. Keith and I are road warriors, remember? We go WAY out of our way for a darn good meal.
ps. I think you need to put all of these in a book and entitle it:
Siesta’s Can Eat!…and where.
🙂
What a great roadtrip reference.
And for Melissa in GA try caters fried chicken SOOOOO good
The French Bakery. I just loved this tiny café in Hilton Head, SC. We ate lunch there a few months back and the food was very good. The other thing I enjoyed was the scent of the bread baking. It smelled so good and just made you want to try everything! And lucky us, while we were there, a few “French†locals were sitting in the parlor area chatting away in French!
I felt like I was in France on a Paris vacation. But I was in South Carolina…
I just love the Provencal tablecloths and colors of the restaurant, too. So pretty!
Beth,
You made me soooo hungry for good onion rings that yesterday we were in Graham TX at an all day high school track meet. After it was over, I was ready to just grab fast food and head home, but hubby wanted to sit down and eat! We spotted a great looking place and I proceeded to order a grilled chicken wrap and onion rings. I even offered to share with hubby. Our food came and I was so very disappointed – these onion rings were OK, just not the “to die for” kind! And I even had to take the caloric hit because I wasn’t stealing them off his plate! Talk about a let down! We are going on a couples motorcycle trip in May down to the hill country and I already told him we have to go to Isaacks in Junction. We ate there several years ago and it was wonderful! Now I just have to wait a few more weeks for those onion rings! I just have to remember to make him order them so the calories won’t count!
Nancy
In Richlands, NC the hole in the wall place is called Arnold’s. GREAT Fried Chicken but the best thing is their sweet tea with the pellet sized ice. Just LOVE pellet sized ice.
The best part of the story is their original name was the Toot and Tell It. I couldn’t make that up!
BethMoore,
This was a funny post! You make me laugh!
I do believe Glenda referred to Shealy’s BBQ. She is correct! It is some good cookin’!
Another place I love here in Columbia, South Kakalacky, is Rush’s. It’s local and they have the best doggone cheeseburgers I have had in a long time. Great sweet tea too!
Yum, yum!
Albany kentucky 2 stoplights a flashing light, a dollar general, family dollar, Keith’s dollar mart, shell station, Burger king, pizza hut thank you God a pizza hut and recently a Mc Donald’s. If you ever end up in Albany (LOL) I would take you to the lake and let you eat at Grider Hill Dock or Dale Hollow. It is absolutely beautiful and the food is really good. You should come we could set you up on a houseboat and Keith could do some fishing!!!! I Love you lots 🙂
Kelly Jo
In Webster, FL there is a place called the Speckled Butter Bean. I’m not kidding 😉 Well, Friday nights are all you can eat sea food bar nights. And there are crab legs on the buffet. For $19 you can eat all the crab legs your little heart desires. My husband will sit there for hours. And when you are done, they have a great little bluegrass band playing on the front porch.
Big Mama’s Cafe -Waco,GA. Fried Chicken, collard greens, pinto beans, mac and cheese and fried apple pies. Nobody can fry chicken like a big, black southern women.
Right off I 20 between Atlanta and Bham.
Jenny in Bama
Oh my gosh, I am starving right now. I think I could actually smell your onion rings you made them sound so good! You don’t know,.. I love food! I am known to make yummy sounds when I eat. We have a couple of great spots here in Kintnersville Pa. One place is our local drive in. Nothing like a Friday night in the summer, eating fried pierogies and a good old cheestesteak with everything on it while you rock to the oldies music and enjoy the old cars people bring for “Cruise Night”. Mmm! Mmm! Mmm!
What fun! Food-themed posts are always so great. 🙂 In Prineville, Oregon, we have the sweetest and best-kept secret: The Dawg House. That’s right, D-A-W-G. You can imagine what I thought for the first year it was open. Then my husband, who had heard rumors (good), convinced me to go there. I was all prepared to encounter a greasy-haired, greasy-faced counter boy–imagine my surprise when I found that it is operated by a group of sweet little old ladies! The one at the counter took the time to explain about their “authentic” egg creams and to share an important bit of info: The hamburger is ground fresh every morning, purchased from a local grocery store butcher case. Best hamburger I’ve ever had, hands down. And the egg cream? Don’t even get me started.
The Wells River Rexall Drug Store in Wells River, Vermont. One of the ladies there makes fresh from scratch pies to die for every day. It’s a throw back to what I imagine the old time soda fountains must have been like in the 40’s and 50’s. The hospitality there is like none other.
I could sure go for a piece of that coconut cream pie…
Blessings,
Gretchen
Thousand Oaks, CA
Uncle Bill’s Pancake House
Manhattan Beach, CA (About 6 miles south of LAX airport)
It closes at 3pm, so you know it has some good breakfast…
My husband and I were so thrilled when we found it. If I had to pick one meal to eat out in a day, it would be breakfast.
Right here in H-town!! Sylvia’s Enchilada Kitchen (Mexican) on Westhiemer near Dairy Ashford. Her salsa is the best! My family askes for a pitcher and some straws!!!
If your in Scottsdale/Phinix area… Oragano’s (Italian)- They have an amazing Spinach Artichoke Lasagne!!! YUM!!!! You have to call in advance to order it so they have time to bake it! We were in town for a week and no lie – I ate there 3 times!!!!
“Sparky’s” in HATCH NM right off
I25. The best GREEN CHILE cheese burgers and hand battered home fries around! Put one of their old fanshion chocolate shakes with it and you’ll be one happy soul.
Look for the big hamburger boy and girl on top of the building. Can’t miss ’em.
Sandy S.-Chile Siesta
There is an amazing hamburger joint in Meers, OK. It’s near Lawton and about 2 hours from us here in Norman, OK. It’s THE best burger you’ll ever get. If you can top that they have some of the best homemade cobblers and ice cream for dessert. You should make the stop on your way to the Deeper Still Conf. in Oklahoma City this December. 🙂
Ok, Beth, if you are ever headed down I-64 in Kentucky……traveling from Lexington towards West Virginia…pull off at the first Olive Hill exit (Yes, that is really the name of a town….I’ve never seen olives there, but there are some hills!). Take a right and then very quickly another right. You will think you are at a deserted truck stop……well, in some ways you are…they’ve closed down the gas pumps and I’m not sure if many trucks pull in there anymore…but there is a restaurant in the old building next to the abandoned pumps called “Smokey Valley Restaurant.” I’ll let you figure out why they call it “smokey.” I have my opinion, though it may differ from the owners. 🙂 Anyway, they are famous for not only their amazing Smokey Valley Burger but also their homemade coconut creme pie!! It literally melts in your mouth and one piece fills an entire plate!! I want a piece right now! If you ever come this way, please call me! I’ll meet you there and have a piece with you. I promise that I won’t bring all of your fans from Grayson…..we wouldn’t all fit in the restaurant….but I may take a picture for proof! 🙂 Living Proof!! (I just had to say that!) I know I’ve already thanked you, but one more time I have to say that the minister’s wives retreat and your prayers over me have released from something in my grief that I can not put into words! Thank you. I still miss Nick so very much, but I feel a peace that is deeper than anything I’ve ever felt before. Thank you, Beth. Thank you from the bottom of my Eastern Kentucky heart!
Daddy Sam’s BBQ in Carthage, Texas…also home to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Tex Ritter Museum….come on by y’all.
In Portland, Oregon:
The Bijou Café
132 S.W. Third Ave., Portland
A healthy breakfast that is also comforting food. I really don’t know how they do it, DH and I just luv it…
It really is fabulous! Beth you and your team should try it when you are here in April.
BTW, we can’t wait!
🙂
Kierstan
Love the story my husband and I are road warriors too. I have the best little candy shop in my neck of the woods. They make everything by hand, even my mom-a no fat allowed gal- will give in to their chocolate and black licorice. It is called Maries and is located in West Liberty, Ohio. If you show up on St. Pattie’s day they give out samples of their Irish Potatoes (buttercream rolled in cinnamon) Ok so it’s not chocolate, but I am telling you they are a sit down kind of thing to eat if you know what I mean!
“The Beacon” in Spartanburg, SC (hands-down THE BEST onion rings you will put in your mouth, along with chili cheeseburger, fried chicken and SWEET tea) No fancy decor, no fancy signs, no fancy menus, etc
I’m stuck on the onion rings. The best onion rings I have ever eaten were at Boyette’s Dining Room at Reelfoot Lake, TN. I will drive the 1-1.5 hours just for the onion rings.
Ok – I too enjoy a great “find” when it comes to a meal on the road. One of our favorite “onion ring” places is just right down the road from you….”Wings and More” in College Station. (I don’t know if they have a “Wings” in Houston or not. There’s one in Austin – but somehow, they have missed the boat!) For an absolutely fabulous breakfast burrito, you really have to be traveling…..Blake’s Lotta Burger in Las Vegas, New Mexico (be sure to get the green chili sauce – oh! rapture!) or when you’re back in the San Angelo area, try Julio’s breakfast burritos – “Now serving in 3 locations!” Also, in San Angelo, you must try the DunBar East Restaurant – run by Mrs. Margaret Blanket….awesome dinner steak! Come see us or give us a call – we’ll meet you there!
Judie Williams
West Texas Girl (Sterling City)
Dixie Barbeque (aka 'Dixie' or 'The Dixie' by regulars)
Johnson City, TN
Awesome BBQ- beef, pork & chicken
and the sauces…oh the sauces-like 7 or 8 different kinds. My personal fave is Carolina Gold, a vinegar & mustard base. I could eat it on just about anything.
The sides are to die for. Fried potatoes and onions, spicy baked beans, delicious cole slaw, potato salad…I could go on and on. Oh and pickles! The best pickle slices ever.You can order a side of them!
Sweet Tea. Sweet. Sweet. Tea.
But the atmosphere is a huge part of it, too. The owner truly LOVES the South. The walls are covered in memoribilia like old liscense plates! The TV plays a continuous loop of the Andy Griffith show. SC beach music fills the air. And they are tickled to death if you'll get up and shag!
Amber in TN
The b-e-s-t catfish ever is at Catfish Kitchen in Gilbertsville, Kentucky! It’s in Western Kentucky. My grandparents had a farm there and I grew up 5 miles from there in Calvert City!
Dana
Clarksville, TN
I LOVE some good onion rings. I am often disappointed at the drive thru.
That was soooo funny! I LOVE onion rings, I am often left disappointed at the drive thru.
This isn’t a hole in the wall place but it is by far the best small restaurant EVER. They use spices to create some of the most creative dishes around. It’s Saturn Grill in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Once you try it, you’ll always be back!
If ever you are in Plainwell, Michigan the best little (and I do mean little, but I also mean the BEST) is Fly Inn…at the one and only airport in (and that’s not saying too much) Plainwell. My husband and I can’t decide if it’s breakfast or lunch that’s better…and the homemade coconut cream pie is the yummiest!
As I read your description of the restaurant, I laughed out loud. It was hysterical! If you are ever in Stephenville, TX, you will have to try Jake and Dorothy’s, which is also known as the best chicken fried steak around!
I’m sure I could find a restaurant or two in Birmingham or surrounding area for you to visit, if you come this way :-)! (As would a lot of other Siestas! Living close to BooMama is my “claim to fame”!
You’ll find an independently owned Dairy Queen located in a tiny valley in the small town of Paintsville, Kentucky. (holla!)
SLAW DOGS!
a foot long hot dog topped
with cheese
and coney sauce
and onions
and cole slaw
with a side of fries and a large coke. I’m tempted to ask for this meal at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. Is that bad?
In a little valley – in a town called Paintsville, Kentucky (holla!) – you’ll find an Independently owned Dairy Queen. They are known for their “Slaw Dogs”
A footlong hot dog topped
with cheese
and onions
and coney sauce
and cole slaw
with a side of fries and a Coke.
I’m thinking of asking for this at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb…is that wrong?
“The Fresh House” in Locust, NC. Homemade chicken salad. on homemade bread. with homemade chips. There is also a Model T in the country store part of the restaraunt. They also have stone-ground grits, cornmeal, flour, etc. that the owner grinds himself.
Gary’s Barbecue in China Grove, NC.
Pork barbecue the Carolina way, with red slaw, fries, hush puppies, and sweet tea.
Daughter and I are almost finished with “Believing God”. It is life-changing.
donna mt. Pleasant NC
Given that you’ll be coming to Portland soon, there are some great places around here. Most are not the Texas Style Barbeque, but they are great experiences- Northwest Style. 🙂
Henry’s Pub and Grill
Wildwood Inn
Pepino’s on NW 23rd (Great Food, low prices)
Oba’s
Two Door’s Down is on the Eastside (over by the Rose Quarter).
Too many to give you lots of details, but just a few recommendations from this fine, but liberal, city of ours.
Love to you! Looking forward to seeing you! Praying with a band of sisters for God to awaken this city!
Jina
Ahh, the adventures of Beth and Keith…always get me wiping the tears from the corners of my eyes from laughing so hard!
I read this a little late, but felt SO called to post since you live so close Beth, and there are just some places you MUST know about.
Ok, first of all, the Star Cafe in Crosby TX, its right off of FM 2100. It looks just like a barn. The food is AHHHH-mazing, some good home cookin!
Irma’s in downtown Houston is probably the best Mexican food I’ve even had. And I’ve had ALOT of Mexican food in my 23 years.
Frank’s in Schulenburg TX and on the way to a little slice of heaven right smack dab in the middle of the Texas Hill country — Garner State Park — has the most incredible Chicken Fried Steak to ever melt in my mouth. I’m wiping the drool just thinking about it’s tasty goodness (and low-fat, no doubt!)
Buckee’s Truckstop (also on the way to Garner SP) has THE. BEST. BREAKFAST. TACOS. EVER. Seriously, they are slap-your-momma good. They are forever the standard for me.
You have prob heard of or been to some of these places, but if you haven’t, you should really get your little self right on over asap! lovelovelove me some FOOD!!
10th Street Restaurant in Great Bend Kansas (All Mexican Food). The BEST fried tacos you have ever eaten in your life!! Hands down.
My man thinks Issaks was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives on the Food Network.
Anyway, there is not much in Woodbury but every chain imaginable. However, if you are ever in the Twin Cities, there is a great little Greek deli in NE Mpls called Zekias (near Hennepin on Kennedy St.), wonderful Greek sandwiches and salads!
On St. Paul's westside, there is Cafe Juliahna, a wonderful little breakfast and lunch place that serves organic coffees & teas and organic breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and soups. Fabulous and very inexpensive.
We might take our summer vacation to San Antonio & Houston, any great places to eat (that have A/C) between the two cities?
Blessings to all,
Mary Ann
Woodbury, MN
Wolf River Cafe, Rossville, TN
Best catfish and hush puppies ever…
Well, if you're looking for the best-ever donuts you will find them in Greenville, KY at the J & H Tasty Bakery!! Glazed donuts and chocolate-covered glazed donuts…..AWESOME!!!
Well, if you ever pass through Chattanooga, there is a dive bar called Merv's that serves some of the best hamburgers, fries &/or onion rings in town. Of course, I haven't been there in a long while, since I quit drinkin'. Praise the Lord, he miralcuously delivered me from 30 yrs of addiction.
My hometown of Florence, AL has the best little soda shop ever. Trowbridges. It has a local favorite called the babysitter where they put a chili dog on toasted bread with some mustard and then you get a side of regular chips and a chocolate chip shake in the glass. Oh my it makes me want to leave Nashville right now! They also have fabulous chicken salad, egg salad, regular chili dogs and let me not forget their grilled cheese! The waitresses still wear the white uniforms and aprons. It is located in downtown Florence you can’t miss it!
When you come up to Springfield,Illiois in Nov you need to try Darcy’s Pint. The best Horse shoe’s around. check it out
http://www.darcyspintonline.com
Can’t wait to see ya in Nov.
Gotta try Bessinger’s Bar-B-Q in Charleston, SC!!! My wonderful husband and his family own and operate the famous BBQ and Burgers joint. i know being from Texas, y’all probably don’t get much mustard-based bbq sauce, but i promise, it will not disappoint. The burgers are amazing too. And talk about onion rings, they are like big puffy donut-style rings, golden-battered to perfection!! Come and get it!
Don’s Drive Inn in TC Michigan.
Best hamburgs in the world. What is there about a “greasy” hamburg??
The french fries are excellent as well.
Loved your post Mama Beth. Made my mouth water. We have a couple of local places that make homemade onion rings. They are delicious…..I’m hungry, I’m leaving.
Bible Bunny in No MI
Oh My goodness I have tears from laughing.I am so glad eating food from hubby’s plate way across the table is calorically cancelling! Thank you for sharing. Now I am daydreaming of cafes all across this wonderful country.
Coyote Bluff Cafe – Grand St. – just south of I 40 in Amarillo, Texas. Enjoy.
Koffee Kup in Hico TX. You cannot beat their pie. Also, Carolines in Midlothian TX is good home cooking. Happy eating and happy trails 🙂
You got my mouth waterin’ Beth.
We’ve got a Chicago style pizza place ..family owed a one-of-a-kind in Bixby,OK ….Savastano’s. A two inch think pizza pie that’s the cheesiest, most delicious, mouth water pizza anywhere.
111th and Memorial in Bixby.
Brenda
Broken Arrow
I read about Isaacks in TM but didn’t think much about it. BUT NOW, I’m just gonna have to go check it out!!
You know about Mel’s in Tomball, right?